Mark McGwire
For a while, Mark McGuire was a real-life American super hero. His Paul Bunyan-esque frame, professional wrestler-sized biceps, and ability to smash home runs farther and more frequently than anyone else captured the attention of an entire nation.
But, his legend eventually came crashing down when he was outed by former teammate Jose Canseco, and eventually admitted to having used steroids. Instead of his home run chase or brief stint as the single-season home run king, he’s now most famously known for his tearful apology in front of Congress, regarding his potential use of PED’s.
Rafael Palmeiro
It’s one thing when you’re lying, and you try to get yourself out of it. It’s an entirely different thing when you’re on the hot seat for lying, and you double-down on that lie by pointing your finger in front of a congressional panel and adamantly lie again. The latter is exactly what Rafael Palmeiro did in the 2005 Congressional hearings on PED use.
Ironically, he was suspended for testing positive for steroids; Congress almost brought charges of perjury against him, before deciding they had insufficient evidence to convict him.
Mike Piazza
On one hand, Mike Piazza openly admitted to using androstenedoine — a steroid — before it was banned by the MLB. He also admitted, in an off-the-record interview, that he used PED’s (which was corroborated by other players). The problem is that Piazza claims it had no improving effect on his play. Who is he trying to fool, exactly?